Archive for June, 2013

Signs Of A Leaky Roof

While you might think that a leaking roof is obvious to spot, there are many subtle signs that your roof could be suffering from water damage long before the problem costs you the big bucks. Knowing how to spot signs of roof damage early on can save you money and could even protect your health.

Water Weakens

The problems that water can cause to an old roof are far reaching. Not only can water damage weaken the structural integrity of your roof, but it can also facilitate the development of mold and mildew; both of which can have ill effects on the health of the home’s inhabitants. Here are a few signs to look out for when keeping an eye on out for water damage:

  • Loose or missing shingles from the valleys of your roof line or around attic vents
  • Portions of the roof deck sagging or appearing to be warped
  • Dark spots in roof materials or areas where roof debris are chronically moist
  • Dripping of water inside the attic or ceilings
  • A musty smell, which may be accompanied by breathing problems.

If you encounter any of these problems, contact a local roofer right away. Water damage can be serious business and it is important to let a professional assess and repair any damage.

Kids Advocate For Green Roof

Rooftop gardens and green roof space has become more popular among densely urban areas in recent years. As the push for more earth friendly products grows, a new breed of environmentalist is being born.

Playing It Cool

New York City public schools are quickly becoming host to a group of young environmentalists. Students from a non-profit group, Global Kids, have launched an initiative to convince the school district to begin a green roof pilot program.

The kids are hoping to demonstrate the benefits of a green roof system by citing a reduced reliance on fossil fuels needed to regulate the temperature of the building and prevent pollution by reducing storm water runoff; all while providing students with an opportunity to participate in a nature project.

The project is estimated to cost the school $80,000, to which the students justify by stating “We know that green roofs cost money. But we also know that they save money, so we have been doing research so that the Department of Education and the School Construction Authority together can learn the best cost-saving techniques.” Although still waiting on notification of approval from the Department of Education, the students continue to gather over 900 signatures in support of their efforts.

 

Summer Savvy Roof Materials

With temperatures rising, so are the costs of our air conditioning bills. Even if you don’t live in a region battered by high temperatures, chances are your roof is still experiencing damage from the sun’s harmful rays. Here are a few smart roofing choices for battling high heat and lots of sunshine in the summer:

Solar panels – the most obvious roof product to save you money this summer is solar roof panels. Harnessing the power of the sun’s energy to power your home is not only cost effective, but environmentally friendly. With the installation of a 20 by 20 foot array of solar panels, the average American home can generate enough electricity to power the home for 24 hours. That is a huge reduction in the cost of traditional power and a huge step towards protecting the environment.

Slate/clay tiles – these roof materials are very popular among the southern regions of the United States for their durability under high temperatures. Slate and clay tiles are made from natural materials found in the earth and are, therefore, also environmentally friendly roof products. These tiles prevent the absorption of heat into the home and keep the home much cooler than would a traditional asphalt roof.

White roof coatings – traditionally used for commercial buildings, white roof coatings are becoming more popular among homeowners. This roof system coats the existing roof material with a lightweight, energy efficient material that reflects up to 85% of the sun’s harmful rays. Reflecting the rays means less heat absorption, which means a reduced need for cooling and energy consumption.

Roof Tips For Homebuyers

If you are thinking about buying a home one area of inspection you do not want to bypass is the roof. Even though your home inspector will assess the roof, having a local roofer do their own inspection could save you money and hassle down the line.

Don’t Cut Corners

The price for a roof inspection is hands down cheaper than the cost of roof replacement. If you are looking at a home to purchase be sure you hire a professional roofer to inspect the home before you put in an offer. Here is why:

  • A roofer can identify areas of potential risk more so than a general home inspector. It isn’t just about obvious signs of damage, but also the potential for maintenance in the long run. Remember that the life of the roof is generally between 10 and 20 years, but any roof that has suffered prior damage or been poorly repaired could reduce the life of the roof.
  • A roofer can give you their honest opinion as to the quality and integrity of the roof, whereas a general inspector must only report the facts.  The roofer you choose to perform the inspection will not only report the facts, but provide you with their expertise in terms of roofing codes and quality of the materials used.
  • A roofer is also trained to identify common roof problems associated with particular neighborhoods or regions. For instance, some homes are more likely to suffer challenges with severe weather; which could ultimately affect the durability of the roof. A professional inspection could reveal roof materials unsuitable for the particular area you are looking to purchase.